Poll: Few New Jerseyans aware of next week’s election

On Nov. 3, the entire New Jersey Assembly is up for a vote. Based on results from a new poll, it's likely that many New Jersey voters will choose to sit this election out.

New Jersey Legislature (Tim Larsen, Governor's Office)

A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released Oct. 27 found that 75 percent of Garden State residents are completely unaware about Tuesday's election.

Not only are residents unaware of next week's election, but their knowledge about the Legislature is also lackluster. In fact, the poll found that only 5 percent could correctly name their own state senators and only 6 percent knew the Assembly is on the ballot this year, with 3 percent mentioning the Legislature in general.

With all but two competitive districts, almost every incumbent is expected to win a new term.

Residents do score a bit better when it comes to knowing which party controls the Legislature. The poll found that half of residents are aware the Democrats are in charge.

What do New Jerseyans think about the Legislature?

The poll found that many have no opinion at all, with 40 percent indicating they have no opinion or are unaware of the state Legislature. Twenty-five percent view the Legislature favorably, with 32 percent having an unfavorable view. Both parties are viewed almost equally by residents.

One in four residents say taxes, the economy and jobs are the most important issues facing the state.

The results reflect the first Eagleton Institute poll conducted 44 years ago in which 85 percent of the respondents did not know about the off-year election in 1971.

Legislative elections historically have poor awareness and low turnout. Republicans have tried to gain traction, but haven't had a lot of success. Gov. Chris Christie, who has been busy running his own presidential campaign, hasn't been in the state long enough to make a difference.